Raheem Morris on decision to sit Michael Penix Jr. late against the Carolina Panthers.
Things got ugly for the Atlanta Falcons in their 30-0 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Once the team was trailing by 27 points early in the fourth quarter, head coach Raheem Morris pulled quarterback Michael Penix Jr. for veteran Kirk Cousins.
“The game was out of hand,” Morris said when asked why he benched Penix. “You know, you move on. Keep him out of harm’s way. Keep our guys out of harm’s way. Took a couple players out… The game was out of hand. They got us.”
Penix struggled throughout the game and the offense had zero rhythm. After feeding Bijan Robinson last week against the Vikings, the Falcons took a more pass-happy approach which produced drastically different results. Penix had two interceptions, including a pick-six, while passing for 172 yards.
When asked whether or not Cousins would have a chance to compete for the starting job, Morris gave a firm “no.” The Falcons head coach just felt it was a bad day for the entire team, including Penix.
“I just think he missed his throws today,” said Morris while maintaining confidence in his young quarterback. “I don’t worry about Mike’s confidence.”
Penix was disappointed in himself following the game. That lack of rhythm on offense was partially affected by the quarterback’s helmet microphone not working in the first quarter.
This led to two wasted timeouts in the first half, which cost the team possible points before halftime. Penix acknowledged this but was unwilling to use it as an excuse.
“I gotta make those plays,” Penix said after Sunday’s loss. “I’ve gotta find my guys that are open”
When asked about Morris’ decision to play Cousins, Penix said he respects it, but that he prefers to play.
“I’m never OK with not playing. End of the day, I listen to my head coach.”
Judging by his body of work, it’s safe to assume Penix will bounce back just fine. He has at every other stage of his career.